Journals
2025 EN
Van Horn Cameron J. · Candelmo Alli C. · Heppell Scott A.
+9 more
Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring is a cost‐effective, minimally invasive technology commonly used to study behavior and population dynamics of soniferous fish species. To understand the strengths and limitations of acoustic monitoring for this purpose at fish spawning aggregations (FSA) requires an assessment of the variability in aggregation‐associated sounds (AAS) as a function of time, space, and proximity for spawning fishes of interest. Here, we evaluate temporal and spatial trends in the detection of AAS by Nassau Grouper ( Epinephelus striatus ) using an array of six hydrophones deployed across a large Nassau Grouper FSA at Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. We collected continuous data for nine days during a winter spawning season and subsequently used an automatic classifier to extract the embedded Nassau Grouper AAS. Using these data, we analyzed variability in spatiotemporal AAS detection rates across the array with a Bayesian mixed effects model. We found high variability in the detection of AAS across the spawning site, with positive correlations among neighboring hydrophone pairs trending toward negative correlations with distances exceeding 350 m. Indeed, temporal trends in AAS rates at the spawning site were approximately inverted at the two most distant hydrophones (~600 m). Across the hydrophone network, our model predicted strong positive effects of fish proximity, spawning behavior, and crepuscular periods on detected AAS. Our findings suggest hydrophone placement can strongly influence AAS detection rates and even basic temporal patterns in AAS across the spawning season. Given both the vagaries of movement and behavior of aggregating fish at spawning sites and the limits of AAS detection using standard monitoring tools, we suggest spawning site acoustic monitoring programs deploy hydrophone arrays of sufficient size to capture the site‐wide trends in AAS rates if possible; this is particularly true if researchers hope to compare/contrast AAS rates between spawning sites or across seasons for the purpose of population assessment.
Journals
2025 EN
Ayton Agnes · Downs James · Ibrahim Ali
ABSTRACT The treatment gap for eating disorders varies significantly across healthcare systems owing to structural, cultural, and systemic barriers. A recent systematic review by Ali et al. highlighted this disparity, with treatment rates ranging from 2.3% in some US populations to 65.7% in Switzerland, reflecting differences in methodology, healthcare funding, and accessibility. These gaps are exacerbated by inadequate primary care recognition, long waiting lists, and the prioritization of underweight cases, which marginalize individuals with higher body weights or complex comorbidities. Systemic barriers include fragmented care and insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration, especially for individuals with co‐occurring conditions such as diabetes, other mental disorders, or neurodivergence. Variations in access to evidence‐based treatment also disproportionately affect men, ethnic minorities, and those with newer diagnoses, where a lack of funding and expertise hampers effective intervention. Geographic inequities and reliance on out‐of‐pocket payments further limit access in some systems. Addressing these disparities requires systemic reforms, including improved training and funding, integrated treatment models, and public prevention programs. Embedding lived experience in research, service design, and policy development can ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive interventions. By targeting the unique challenges of each healthcare system, tailored approaches can reduce inequities, improve access to treatment and outcomes.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Aamir · Chai Simin · Zhong Cuijuan
+7 more
ABSTRACT The Indus River dolphin ( Platanista minor ) is a highly endangered freshwater dolphin endemic to the Indus River system of the Indian subcontinent. We reported a de novo assembly and characterization of the draft genome of the Indus River dolphin by using Illumina short‐read sequencing technology. Based on this, for the first time, we conducted the comparative genomics study and identified a selection of genes and gene families that have undergone significant positive selection and expansion or contraction, indicating potential molecular mechanisms associated with freshwater adaptation, such as specialized skin features and their derivatives (e.g., hair loss) and immune adaptations. Additionally, this study estimated that the Indus River dolphin diverged nearly 31.2 million years ago from the most recent common ancestor of Delphinidae and Lipotidae, placing it in a more basal position to other freshwater dolphins (e.g., the baiji Lipotes vexillifer ). It was suggested that the combined effects of the natural historical bottleneck effect around 40–20 kiloyears ago and anthropogenic activities were the driving factors of inbreeding for this species with very low heterozygosity (0.0218%).
Journals
2025 EN
Osman Ibrahim · Wang Zhimin · Li Hongnian
+8 more
ABSTRACT The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest that causes enormous losses in tobacco production as it develops resistance to pesticides in China. Telenomus remus N. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is an effective egg parasitoid for the genus Spodoptera. However, little is known about the volatile compounds that attract the parasitoid. In the present study, we investigated the response of T. remus to volatiles released from various sources, including Spodoptera litura egg masses, healthy tobacco plants, plants with manually introduced eggs, and plants with natural oviposition. The chemical profiles of the crude extracts were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the behavioral assay was performed using a Y‐tube olfactometer. Naïve and experienced T. remus showed significant attraction to crude extracts of S. litura egg masses and to oviposition‐induced plant volatiles (OIPVs). In subsequent experiments, different concentrations and combinations of the synthetic volatiles obtained from these crude extracts were tested. Notably, the binary and ternary mixtures showed significant attraction, where the binary combination of linalool (L) with tetracosane (T) and linalool (L) with cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate (C) was strongly attractive. These results underscore the potential of using synthetic volatile dispensers, particularly binary combinations with precise doses, to enhance retention of T. remus and improve the efficacy of the biological control program.
Journals
2025 EN
Dikici Mehmet · Burgan Halil Ibrahim
ABSTRACT Understanding the disasters that arise from climate change in advance and developing necessary adaptation plans are crucial to mitigate their impacts. Drought progresses slowly but can profoundly impact entire ecosystems and human livelihoods. Many indices are introduced to analyse drought. This study aims to quantify the spatiotemporal response of groundwater systems to long‐term meteorological and hydrological trends in the Seyhan Basin using the Groundwater Drought Index (GWI). It tests the hypothesis that groundwater drought exhibits a lagged but regionally distinct response to climatic drivers, especially in semiarid regions where topography, distance to the sea and anthropogenic withdrawals vary significantly. The years 1970–2016 were selected for analysing meteorological data and 1970–2015 for analysing hydrological data. Fifteen measurements from 24 meteorological observation stations (15 within the basin and 9 in neighbouring basins), 5 evaporation observation stations, 20 stream‐gauging stations and 9 groundwater observation wells were utilised. The effects of analysed trends on GWI were examined, and climate change has been observed to impact drought parameters from a holistic perspective. Selecting an index appropriate to regional characteristics should be considered, and updating measurements is crucial for accurate predictions.
Journals
2025 EN
Touray Mustapha · Cimen Harun · Cakmak Ibrahim
+1 more
Abstract Mycophagous invertebrates can significantly impact the efficacy of fungal biocontrol agents; yet the interaction between these agents and Sancassania polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae), commonly found in soil ecosystems, remains poorly understood. Our study demonstrates that Sa. polyphyllae mites feed on fungus‐infected insect cadavers as well as the mycelium and spores of Trichoderma afroharzianum and Metarhizium brunneum in pure cultures. Mite feeding activity was greater on Trichoderma than Metarhizium pure cultures, possibly due to Metarhizium 's acaricidal effects, which impacted mite activity. Furthermore, mite feeding on fungus‐infected insect cadavers caused visible damage to the integument. This feeding behavior significantly impacted fungal sporulation, a key factor in biocontrol efficacy. In both the M. brunneum ‐infected Galleria groups and the Tr. afroharzianum ‐infected Galleria groups, mite numbers increased over time, peaking around 9–11 days post‐infection before slightly declining or plateauing. Notably, the fungi‐infected insect tissue consistently exhibited significantly higher mite numbers than the pure cultures group at several time points. In dual‐culture assays, Sa. polyphyllae mites preferentially fed on Fusarium oxysporum over Tr. afroharzianum . The presence of Fusarium may influence mite behavior and potentially reduce their impact on Trichoderma . This preference, possibly nutritional, requires further investigation. Consequently, Trichoderma 's suppression of Fusarium in soil could significantly impact the food resources available to soil‐dwelling mites like Sa. polyphyllae . Further research is needed to determine the nutritional basis of this feeding preference.
Journals
2025 EN
Hajomer Hiba Ali Elzaki · Elkhidir Osama Ahmed · Mohammed Rooa
+3 more
ABSTRACT Aims Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease in childhood which significantly impacts quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic background of children with diabetes and their families and to assess its association with diabetes control. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Khartoum State, Sudan, in 2018, at three outpatient diabetes clinics, using standardised questionnaires. We included 138 diabetic children (T1D and T2D) aged 2–18 years using systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics, economic indicator and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS version 20. An HbA1C level of > 7.0% was set as the cut‐point for uncontrolled diabetes. A p ‐value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the children was 11.1 (3.64) years. Over half of the respondents were not covered by any insurance scheme and 73% lived in urban areas. Mothers had a mean age of 37.3 (7.8), with one‐fourth being illiterate, while fathers had a mean age of 45.4 (9.3). Twenty per cent of parents had higher education. Two‐thirds of the participants had their HbA1C levels checked within the last 3 months. The prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes was 78.0%. No statistically significant association was found between HbA1C levels and families' socioeconomic, demographic or clinical characteristics ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Neither children' nor parents' characteristics influenced HbA1C level. The high rate of uncontrolled diabetes (78.0%), and other countries showing better profiles of control, suggests the need for exploring other contributing factors. Insulin availability and lack of home glucose monitoring need to be considered. We recommend future prospective studies to consider these factors and use multiple HbA1C measures' average as a better indicator of diabetic control.
Journals
2025 EN
Kocabas Umut · Ergin Isil · Yavuz Veysel
+22 more
Abstract Aims We aimed to determine the use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and to identify clinical factors associated with their use in patients with heart failure (HF) in a real‐life setting. Methods Real‐world data on Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin use in patients with HEART failure: The RED–HEART study is a multicentre, cross‐sectional and observational study that included HF patients in the outpatient setting regardless of ejection fraction from 19 cardiology centres between August 2023 and December 2023. Results The study population consisted of 1923 patients with HF, predominantly men (61.2%), with a median age of 66 (range: 19–101) years. Overall, 925 patients (48.1%) were receiving SGLT2is. Among the study population, 22.1% had HF with preserved ejection fraction, 21.5% had HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, 56.4% had HF with reduced ejection fraction and the use of SGLT2is was 42.0%, 47.9% and 50.6% in each group, respectively ( P = 0.012). The use of SGLT2is was 76.6% in patients with HF and diabetes, 19.8% in patients with HF and chronic kidney disease and 26.8% in patients without diabetes and chronic kidney disease ( P < 0.001). Higher education level [odds ratio (OR): 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–3.05; P = 0.027], higher household income (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.27–9.42; P = 0.015), New York Heart Association functional class IV (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.16–6.35; P = 0.021), diabetes (OR: 9.42; 95% CI: 6.72–13.20; P < 0.001), the use of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNis) (OR: 4.09; 95% CI: 2.39–7.01; P < 0.001), the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.49–2.75; P < 0.001), the use of loop diuretics (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.18–2.22; P = 0.003) and the use of thiazide diuretics (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.30–2.29; P < 0.001) were independently associated with the use of SGLT2is. Conversely, atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.45–0.88; P = 0.008), chronic kidney disease (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37–0.76; P = 0.001), the use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.98; P = 0.042) and the use of statins (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91; P = 0.010) were independently associated with the non‐use of SGLT2is. Conclusions The RED–HEART study provided comprehensive real‐world data about implementing SGLT2is in patients with HF. These results suggest that there is a need for organized action and close collaboration between healthcare providers to improve the implementation of SGLT2is, especially in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction and chronic kidney disease.
Journals
2025 EN
Yuecel Goekhan · Gaasch Leo · Kodeih Abbass
+7 more
Abstract Aims Cardiac implantable electrical devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐Ds) or cardiac contractility modulation (CCMs) are therapy options for patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) despite optimal medical treatment. As yet, a comparison between both devices has not been performed. Methods and results The Mannheim Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Registry (MARACANA) and the Mannheim Cardiac Contractility Modulation Observational Study (MAINTAINED) included all patients who received CRTs or CCMs in our medical centre between 2012 and 2021. For the present analysis, we retrospectively compared patients provided with either CRT‐Ds ( n = 220) or CCMs with additional defibrillators ( n = 105) regarding New York Heart Association classification (NYHA), LVEF, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), QRS‐width and other HF modification aspects after 12 months. Before implantation, CCM patients presented with lower LVEF (23.6 ± 6.2 vs. 26.3 ± 6.5%) and worse NYHA (3.03 ± 0.47 vs. 2.81 ± 0.48, both P < 0.05), compared with CRT‐D patients. Follow‐up improvements in NYHA (2.43 ± 0.67 vs. 2.28 ± 0.72), LVEF (30.5 ± 10.7 vs. 35.2 ± 10.5%) and TAPSE (17.2 ± 5.2 vs. 17.1 ± 4.8 to 18.9 ± 3.4 vs. 17.3 ± 3.6 mm, each P < 0.05) were comparable. The intrinsic QRS‐width was stable with CCM (109.1 ± 18 vs. 111.7 ± 19.7 ms, P > 0.05), while the paced QRS‐width with CRT‐D after 12 months was lower than intrinsic values at baseline (157.5 ± 16.5 vs. 139.2 ± 16 ms, P < 0.05). HF hospitalizations occurred more often for CCM than CRT‐D patients (45.7 vs. 16.8%/patient years, odds ratio 4.2, P < 0.001). Conclusions Chronic heart failure patients could experience comparable 12‐month improvements in functional status and ventricular reverse remodelling, with appropriately implanted CCMs and CRT‐Ds. Differences in HF hospitalization rates may be due to the more advanced HF of CCM patients at implantation.
Journals
2025 EN
Abumayyaleh Mohammad · Koepsel Katharina · Erath Julia W.
+16 more
Abstract Background Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet an ‘obesity paradox’ has been observed in various CVD contexts. The impact of obesity on heart failure (HF) patients treated with a wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator (WCD) remains underexplored. Methods In a multicentre international registry, we retrospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 1003 patients. These patients were divided into three body mass index (BMI) groups: <25 kg/m 2 ( n = 348), 25–30 kg/m 2 ( n = 383), and >30 kg/m 2 ( n = 272), with BMI > 30 kg/m 2 defined as the reference category. Demographics, indications, adherence, WCD shocks, arrhythmic events, rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes, and mortality were analysed. Results At 3 month follow‐up, patients with a BMI > 30 showed the greatest improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 51.4%, significantly higher than the 41.4% in those with a BMI < 25 ( P = 0.017) and comparable with the 49.4% in the BMI 25–30 group ( P = 0.635). WCD wearing time and adherence were similar across all BMI groups. The incidence of WCD shock was similar across BMI groups. Rates of ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation and non‐sustained VT (ns‐VT) were comparable across BMI groups. The rate of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation was 40.3% across all patients, with a slightly lower rate in the BMI > 30 group (36.8%) compared with others, although not significantly. Rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes was significantly lower in the BMI > 30 group (55.4%) compared with the BMI 25–30 group (70.9%; P = 0.048), but similar to the BMI < 25 group (54.9%; P = 0.957). At 2 year follow‐up, mortality was lower in the BMI > 30 group (5.9%) compared with the BMI < 25 (7.5%; P = 0.029) and BMI 25–30 groups (7%; P = 0.681). In multivariable analysis, LVEF at long term was significantly associated with a reduction in mortality. Conclusions Obese patients exhibited significantly greater improvement in LVEF, which was associated with reduced mortality. Adherence to WCD therapy was excellent across all BMI groups. ICD implantation occurred in 40.3% of patients, with similar WCD shock rates and arrhythmic events across BMI groups. An obesity paradox was observed, with obese patients demonstrating significantly lower rehospitalization rates due to cardiovascular causes and reduced mortality at follow‐up.